In a statement from that group, signed by 234 people, including political figures, former foreign ministers, former ministers, former ambassadors and academics from the region, the importance of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties (1977) and Panama’s sovereignty over the interoceanic route are reaffirmed.
The group also expressed concern about the possible return of interventionist practices in the region.
The document emphasized that coexistence in the American continent has historically been based on respect for international treaties and international law.
They recalled that both Panama and the United States resolved their historic differences over the route through peaceful negotiations in the Organization of American States (OAS), and ensured that these agreements, respected by successive US governments, become the basis for constructive and respectful relations on the continent.
The Roundtable noted that Trump’s statements “ignore historic reality and distort the achievements made through treaties,” and warned that reviving doctrines such as Monroe Doctrine, based on threats and coercion, is unacceptable and contravenes the principles of modern diplomacy.
On the other hand, they describe as irresponsible any attempt at placing the Canal in a geopolitical dispute with China or using arguments that ignore Panama’s sovereignty.
Among the signatories of the declaration are Martín Torrijos, former president of Panama (1999-2004); Héctor Alemán, former Minister of Government; José Ayala Lasso, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; José Isabel Blandón, former mayor of Panama (2014-2019); and José Miguel Insulza, former OAS secretary general.
Other outstanding figures who penned the statement are Gonzalo Gutiérrez, secretary general of the Andean Community; Janaina Tewaney, former foreign minister of Panama; Juan Diego Vásquez, former Panamanian lawmaker; Arturo Valenzuela, former director for the Americas at the White House Security Council; and Teresa Yaniz de Arias, former Panamanian lawmaker, among others.
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